"The new centre will cost £5million and is due to be completed in the summer of 2008, but it seems a nonsense that diabetes sufferers in Solihull will still have no needle collection service.
"Constituents have complained that they have no option but to dispose of used needles in general waste if they are unable to return them to the hospital for disposal.
"This is clearly unacceptable. Not every patient has the capacity to store needles in used plastic bottles and return them regularly to the hospital for correct disposal.
"I have been informed by the clinical director for diabetes at the Trust, Professor Tony Barnett, that needle collection is the responsibility of local councils, and Solihull simply do not provide the service provided elsewhere in the region.
"It's about time Solihull spent a few extra pennies to ensure that used needles are disposed of correctly removing the fear of risk to others, and that diabetes sufferers in Solihull get the same first class standard of service enjoyed by patients elsewhere."
